Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines at Athens Wine Suburb

Exploring Greek wines has never been more accessible or enjoyable than with this private tasting tour just outside of Athens. This four-hour experience offers a blend of tradition, quality, and authentic local flavor, perfect for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. We love how the tour combines visits to two distinguished wineries with a visit to a charming wine museum, making it as much about education as tasting.

One standout feature is the private transportation, which ensures a relaxed, personalized experience — no need to worry about navigating or sharing the space with strangers. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a more leisurely, extended experience, the four-hour duration might feel a bit tight, especially if you want to linger at each stop. This tour suits those seeking a deep dive into Greek wine culture, especially if you’re eager to try award-winning labels and learn about Greece’s rich grape-growing traditions.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Exclusive transportation and guided tastings create an intimate experience.
• Award-winning Wines: Taste three internationally recognized labels from Markou Vineyards.
• Rich Educational Content: Learn about Greece’s winemaking history and harvest traditions.
• Authentic Visits: Explore two reputable wineries with a long-standing family heritage.
• Cultural Insights: Visit a wine museum showcasing machinery and processes from the 19th century.
• Value for Money: All tastings, museum entry, and transportation included for a comprehensive experience.

An Authentic Journey Through Greek Winemaking

This private wine tasting tour in Athens offers a compelling blend of education, flavor, and scenic views. It’s ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual sightseeing and indulge in Greece’s wine heritage. The tour’s structure ensures you’ll get a taste of both tradition and contemporary excellence, with a good dose of local culture.

The experience kicks off with pickup at your hotel or a location of your choice in Athens. The transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey to the first stop smooth and stress-free. The group size is limited, which enhances the personalized feel and allows your guide to share more insights without the crowd noise.

Exploring Markou Vineyards

Your first stop is Markou Vineyards, a family-run operation with a history going back generations. Here, you’ll dive into Greece’s rich winemaking traditions, learning how grapes are harvested and processed in a way that has persisted for centuries. The highlight is sampling three award-winning wines:

• Schinopefko Retsina: A dry white wine that clinched the Silver at the PAR Wine Award International 2017. It’s a fascinating taste of Greece’s resin-infused wine tradition.
• Pixie Rose: A PGI Attica dry rosé, rated three stars in 2017, known for its fresh, vibrant profile.
• Savvatiano: A 100% Attica white wine, also rated three stars, with a crisp, clean finish.

Accompanying the wines are an assortment of Greek and global cheeses and bakery products, adding textures and flavors that perfectly complement each sip.

What’s special about this stop? Besides tasting award-winning labels, you’ll get a glimpse of traditional Greek harvest practices through photographs and machinery observations at the nearby wine museum. The museum visit, which takes about an hour and a half, offers a fascinating look at winemaking evolution from the 19th century to today.

Reviewers like Kyla_D appreciated the “breathtaking views at the Temple of Poseidon” along the drive, which adds a scenic backdrop to the journey. The museum visit enhances understanding and appreciation of Greek winemaking’s depth and long-standing traditions.

Visiting Domaine Vassiliou

Next, the tour takes you to Domaine Vassiliou, a family estate established in 1905 with a reputation for producing high-quality wines from indigenous Greek varieties. Owned by George Vassiliou, a third-generation winemaker, this vineyard is a laboratory of Greek wine craftsmanship.

You’ll spend about an hour exploring the estate, gaining insights into the winemaking process and the family’s commitment to quality. The wines here are appreciated for their unique expression of local grapes, crafted with care and expertise passed down through generations.

The estate’s location in Koropi, Attica, offers a serene setting and a chance to taste wines crafted with tradition and passion. While the specific wines sampled aren’t listed, the reputation of the estate suggests an opportunity to appreciate authentic Greek varietals.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $206.35 per person, this experience covers much more than just tastings. It includes private transportation, guided insights, museum access, and a selection of high-quality wines. That’s a fair price considering the depth of experience and the chance to taste internationally recognized wines in a scenic, educational setting.

The inclusion of cheeses and bakery items adds to the value, elevating the tasting beyond just wine. Plus, the flexibility of pickup and private booking means you can tailor the experience or have a more relaxed schedule than a typical group tour.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Booking in advance is recommended — most travelers book about 84 days ahead — indicating high demand for this immersive experience.
• Duration is approximately four hours, which is enough to enjoy the stops comfortably without feeling rushed.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with a keen interest in wine or Greek culture, thanks to the knowledgeable guides and relaxed pace.
• If you’re planning to visit the Temple of Poseidon afterward, the tour can be extended to include a lunch stop—only at an additional cost.
• Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended, especially for the museum visit and walking around the vineyards.

What Reviewers Love Most

Many guests highlight the expertise of the guides and the quality of the wines. Rose_n called it a “great experience,” and Hermania_M mentioned the “top-notch” staff, driver, and the wines, which prompted her to order several bottles to take home.

The views along the coast and the chance to learn about Greek winemaking from passionate professionals seem to be the standout features for most. The museum visit, with photographs and vintage machinery, adds a fascinating historical context that appeals to those interested in tradition.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits wine connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, especially those eager to explore Greek reds and whites beyond the standard wines. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a private, educational tour with a touch of scenic beauty and cultural insight. If you’re also interested in Greek history and traditions, the museum visit adds an enriching layer.

It’s an excellent choice for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers who appreciate personalized experiences and high-quality tastings.

The Sum Up

This private Greek wine tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that blends education, flavor, and scenic charm. You’ll visit two acclaimed wineries, learn about Greece’s winemaking heritage, and taste wines that have gained international acclaim—all in just a few hours. The inclusion of a wine museum elevates the experience, helping you connect with centuries-old traditions.

For those who value intimate settings, expert guidance, and top-tier wines, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want to deepen their appreciation of Greek wine, enjoy stunning coastal views, and explore the country’s wine culture firsthand.

If you’re looking for a memorable, taste-rich experience outside Athens that combines culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship, this tour hits the mark nicely.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, making the trip comfortable and hassle-free.

Can I visit the Temple of Poseidon as part of this tour? The main tour does not include the Temple of Poseidon, but it is available as an extended option with a lunch stop—additional arrangements and costs apply.

How long is the tour? The whole experience lasts about four hours, which includes visits to two wineries, the wine museum, and tastings.

Are the wine tastings guided? Yes, a private sommelier guides you through the tastings, sharing insights about each wine and its significance.

What wines will I taste? Expect to sample award-winning wines from Markou Vineyards, including a silver-winning Retsina, a dry rosé, and a crisp white wine, alongside visits to Domaine Vassiliou’s estate for potential tastings of indigenous Greek varieties.

Is this tour suitable for all ages? While primarily aimed at adults, most healthy travelers can participate. It’s best suited for those interested in wine, culture, and scenic drives.

This wine tour outside Athens delivers a genuine taste of Greece’s vinicultural pride, perfect for those who want to enjoy quality wines while soaking up the country’s scenic beauty and tradition.